I have an extensive family history of osteoporosis. I think just about every woman on my mother's side of the family has/had osteoporosis. I am 50 years old and my doctor has never checked my bone density, so I'm wondering how all these young people on here found out they had it.

Precious55

03-06-2010 01:16 AM

Re: How do you know that you have osteoporosis?

I recently had a Bone Density Scan. That's how I found out. It only takes about 20 minutes. I have Osteopenia according to my T scores. Hope this helps.:wave:

pianolady

03-06-2010 10:44 AM

Re: How do you know that you have osteoporosis?

How old are you? What made you get the bone density test? My doctor has never suggested it, even though I've had a family history. What is the age that they start bone density tests?

phylwill1152

03-06-2010 03:49 PM

Re: How do you know that you have osteoporosis?

HI pianolady, i found out i had osteo after taking the heel test at a local health fair when i was 53 (now 57). I took the results to our family dr. and he gave me an order to have a DEXA scan, which showed osteo in the lumbar spine and osteopenia in the hips. I have since improved both those scores. With your family history you could ask your dr. to have the test and to use as a baseline for the future. Like Precious said, its only takes a few minuets, is painless and will give you an idea of what your density is. Even if your insurance won't cover it is one of the less expensive test you can get. I think at our small local hospital its around $200.

Unless there is a reason for the scan i don't think its routinely done till around 65 years old. Please keep in mind that until all the drugs became available most women/men didn't even know they had osteo unless they had a fracture. In the early 70's i worked as a nurses aid on an orthopedic floor and never once heard the word osteoporosis even when and older woman came in with a broken hip. There is a book called the[I] Myth of Osteoporosis[/I] by Gillian Sansone that is very good at putting osteo into perspective. take care..phyllis

pianolady

03-06-2010 04:23 PM

Re: How do you know that you have osteoporosis?

Thanks! I think I'm going to ask about a bone density test at my gynecologist appointment on Tuesday as well as a vitamin D test. That also runs in my family...thus the osteoporosis.